Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Meconopsis is a genus of plants in the poppy family, the most common of which grown in Britain are the Welsh poppy, Meconopsis cambrica, and the Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis betonicifolia. The flowers are a similar shape and structure to true poppies, but they can be identified as meconopsis by their seedheads. Rather than 'pepper pot' seedheads typical of true poppies, meconopsis seedheads are thin and long.

The harebell poppy, Meconopsis quintuplinervia, is native to the mountainous regions of Tibet and China. It bears straw-coloured, hairy leaves and bowl-shaped, nodding lilac-blue flowers, from late spring to summer. It can be easy to grow when given the right conditons – moist but well-drained soil is a must, and it does best when divided every couple of years. Plant in a partially or fully shaded spot with shelter from cold, drying winds. Sow seed in autumn.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyesyesyes

Meconopsis and wildlife

Meconopsis is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Meconopsis poisonous?

Meconopsis has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Meconopsis quintuplinervia
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement